Munda, who returned to Ranchi last evening after hectic campaigns in the Hindu pilgrimage town of Uttar Pradesh, further claimed other parties’ desperate attempt to woo minorities would eventually help Modi.

The Leader of the Opposition in Jharkhand Assembly, Munda camped in Benaras for three days, pitching for Modi. He actively toured different parts of the Varanasi constituency and addressed several public meetings and interactive sessions.

“The people of Varanasi have realised that they are going to elect the country’s next Prime Minister. I spent three days and felt the pulse of the common people. I realised that we would not have to make any special effort. It is true that opposition parties are tireless trying different means to woo minorities, especially Muslim voters, but they will ultimately prove advantageous for the BJP,” Munda told The Telegraph.

The BJP stalwart said the people would not step into the trap of so-called secular parties, who were trying to divide voters on the basis of castes and religion.

“The great shehnai maestro, Ustad Bismillah Khan, wanted to breathe his last on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi. Kabir was also from this holly city. Benaras boasts communal harmony and brotherhood among all. The people in general, including minorities, would not vote keeping communal issues in mind. They want growth, job and prosperity,” he explained.

The former chief minister added, “The Muslims have also realised that they too need growth and need to make the right choice.”

The senior BJP leader from the state also campaigned in different parts of neighbouring Bengal.

He claimed the party’s performance would improve in Bengal, where elections are still on, as well as Odisha, where polling concluded on April 17. “I received positive response everywhere. The people across the country are fed up with the Congress and its so-called secular allies. The BJP is going to open its account in Bengal, while our position will improve in Odisha. I couldn’t campaign in North East because of paucity of time, but I have received positive reports,” he added.

Munda, however, remained evasive when asked to comment on the political scenario in Jharkhand and the fate of Hemant government.

He said the party would work out its future plan of action after the Lok Sabha election results were announced on May 16.

“Just wait and watch how the JMM and Congress pay prices for the follies they made in the recent past. We are in no hurry. Be it the row over appointment of vice-chancellors or Simon Marandi’s revolt, we are keeping our eyes and ears wide open. We will speak at the opportune moment,” Munda signed off.